Validation of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) using bifactor-ESEM in Peruvian adults: Methodological contributions to the assessment of its structure

Valle-Salvatierra W.; López-Tello A.; Vasquez-Ortiz J.; Silva V.A.Á.; Castillo N.A.V.; Mondragón-Gómez R. · Universitas Psychologica (2026) · DOI: 10.11144/javeriana.upsy25.veam

Resumen

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) in a sample of Peruvian adults (N = 397). The Spanish version of the SCS (26 items, five-point ordinal response format) was administered online. To examine internal structure, a six-correlated-factor CFA, a bifactor-CFA, and a bifactor-ESEM were estimated with WLSMV. The six-factor CFA showed poor fit and the bifactor-CFA failed to reach an admissible solution, whereas the bifactor-ESEM was the only stable and interpretable solution, with excellent fit (CFI = 0.987, TLI = 0.974, RMSEA = 0.048, SRMR = 0.018). Bifactor indices indicated high reliability for the total score (ωH = 0.87; ECV-G = 0.75) and limited incremental specific reliability for most subscales (ωHS = .26–.54), with greater consistency for mindfulness (ωHS = 0.66). Convergent validity was consistent with expectations. Overall, findings support prioritizing the SCS total score in Peruvian adults and suggest caution when interpreting subscales.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica Los Ángeles de Chimbote